Amazon
As shopping writers, it’s our job to keep our eyes out for hidden gems across the Internet — the items that are quietly capturing people’s hearts and improving their lives.
One find I’ve noticed lately that initially took me by surprise, but then made a lot of sense: Elastic shoelaces, which turn any sneakers into slip-ons. This option from Homar sports 26,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, with one reviewer saying they’re such a “great invention” that they “loved them from the moment that I slipped them on.”
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Replacing your traditional shoelaces with elastic ones may prove remarkably beneficial: Firstly, they can potentially provide a reprieve for your neck and back, according to reviewers, since you’ll no longer have to constantly bend over to tie and retie your shoes.
“I have arthritis in all of my back and hips and some days I can’t bend to tie my shoes,” one reviewer named Zack wrote, “so these have been a huge help.”
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Another reviewer, who described themselves as a senior with a bad back, hailed their elastic laces for helping them get their shoes on independently: “It’s very difficult for me to bend over to tie and untie my shoe laces ... with the stretchy laces I can now put my shoes on by myself without others having to help me.”
Elastic laces can also be helpful for folks who’ve dealt with injuries; one 76-year-old reviewer described making the switch to elastic shoelaces after tripping over their traditional shoelaces and injuring themselves. “I’m much better now, but I wanted to eliminate the use of shoelaces,” they wrote.
Substituting elastic shoelaces for traditional ones can also help make life a little more convenient, getting you out the door faster when you’re running late or enabling you to move through the TSA line more efficiently while traveling since you can just slip your shoes off and go.
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They also come in kid’s sizes, so you can swap them into your grandkid’s shoes if he or she is still getting the hang of traditional laces (and in case you need some relief from having to retie loose kid laces all the time).
Elastic replacements are such a crowd-favorite that multiple reviewers first bought them for someone else — and then, after witnessing how well they work, bought themselves or a different loved one a pair, often for multiple pairs of shoes. “I originally bought these for my daughter,” one reviewer described. “We love them so much we decided to try them for my dad who suffers from severe arthritis in his hands ― these are a godsend for him!! [T]hey’ve taken a lot of painful finger movement off his plate daily.”
Several parents with children who have autism also noted how handy these no-tie laces are. “These are absolutely fantastic! My son is on the autism spectrum and not only does he hate tying his shoes but it takes him forever to do it. These work perfectly,” a Texas mom wrote. “I was worried they wouldn’t work for the football shoes but he says they are great. He’s one of the first ones out on the field because he can get his shoes on so quickly... Definitely recommend for special needs kids who have trouble with shoelaces or anyone else who just doesn’t want to fool with them.”
Reviewers even say they prefer elastic laces to the Velcro options, since they don’t require any bending over and you can choose which shoes you want to use them with.
Made of stretchy, waterproof silicone, these elastic shoelaces come in numerous colors (including a cool rainbow set) and in adult and kid sizes.
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Reviewers note that installing the elastic laces into sneakers can be a bit of a tough process for folks who struggle with dexterity or arthritis in their fingers. The brand recommends using pliers or tweezers to apply them (for what it’s worth, I believe Tweezerman tweezers can get anything done); reviewers say having a loved one or friend lend a hand is a great idea, too. The brand along with reviewers also noted that a bobby pin is especially helpful.
Still, numerous reviewers emphasize that it’s well worth the effort: “It’s not easy but it’s irrelevant when you get the end result,” said a reviewer named Angie who helped her father put the elastic shoelaces into his favorite shoes. “Dad’s happy, so I’m happy. Happy enough that now I’m getting a set for a pair of my shoes.”
In other words, according to one reviewer, “Once you insert these shoelaces, you’re done!”
This version of elastic laces works best for casual activity and walking; for elastic options designed for serious exercise, plus more styles, read on below.
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A popular option with expanded sizing
These Inmaker laces are also made of stretchy silicone and have nearly 18,000 5-star ratings.
They come in adult, adult plus and kid sizes, as well as in multiple colors.
Promising review: "I'm a senior with have several challenging debilitating conditions which make tying my shoes strings a problem. I purchased these shoe ties, put them in my shoes and now I can just slip them on and off without hurting my back and hips!! I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone who has difficulty with daily challenges as I do. They're GREAT!!!!!" — Sue
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A no-tie version with 22,000 5-star ratings
These elastic laces from Xpand stay secure on your shoes with the help of anchor locks, so they more closely resemble traditional laces. They're designed to be one size fits all, including adults and kids, and come in tons of colors. The anchor lock hardware is included with purchase.
Promising review: "The older I'm getting the more important for me is to make my life easier..and this makes it perfect ..I put this on ny working boots and now I don't have to tie and untie it all the time ...just slip it in and out.. I will replace all ny shoes laces 10 pairs with this elastic lace...you won't regret it." — ramon v.
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A highly-rated option that clips at the top
These laces use metal turn buckles at the top of the shoe to help keep the elastic secure and ensure sturdy slip-ons.
They come in multiple colors and in packs of one or two.
Promising review: "I put these on some casual work shoes for office setting, they look great and shoe feels nice and snug with the stretchable quality of the laces and they are easy to take on and off. Gives a very clean look vs. tied shoe laces." — mark
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A pair of elastic laces secure enough for exercise and hikes
This no-tie RJ-Sport set locks and tightens at the top of the shoe, making it an excellent option for running, difficult hikes and other intensive exercise. They come in multiple colors.
Promising review: "I am a runner and have used these laces for years! Your feet swell as you run and these are so easy to adjust when you need to. The laces stretch so they have “give” as your feet expand. And of course, your laces do not become untied during a race" — Daniel J Christopherson
"My arthritis acts up from time to time and lacing up a pair of shoes can be a real task. With these elastic lace replacements, I was able to change out my current laces and have now turned my walking shoes into slip ons. I was resistant at first, worried that they would let my shoes fall off if I need to turn and pivot or even run a little. Nope, they work great! Gone are the days of bending over to tie my shoes, especially my boots as I have replaced several pairs of shoe laces with these and have never been happier. I am sure my arthritic fingers would thank me if they could." — Machinist71
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A five-pack of locking elastic laces from another brand
This budget-pick offers five pairs of no-tie laces at an affordable price (and in many fun color combinations).
Promising review: "I walk at least 4 miles a day at work and wear Merrell hiking shoes, and these AIXMEET no tie shoe laces are a game-changer. They make putting my shoes on and taking them off a breeze. The laces are very comfortable, and the colors blend perfectly with my shoes. I have worn them through rain and snow, and they still look like new. Whether for adults or kids, these elastic laces are a must-have for anyone looking for convenience and comfort. Highly recommended!" — Jeff
